2012 Camry Hybrid XLE or Lexus CT200H? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

MatrixPC · 09-07-2011, 01:42 AM

I'm debating which one to get to replace the Y2K Accord. Mostly for commuting to and from work 30 miles each way on SoCal 405 traffic. The plan is to keep it as long as it last and give it to my son when he can drive (another 10+ years) and get a GS (if Lexus still make it). What is your take?

Aptos Driver · 10-08-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatrixPC

I'm debating which one to get to replace the Y2K Accord. Mostly for commuting to and from work 30 miles each way on SoCal 405 traffic. The plan is to keep it as long as it last and give it to my son when he can drive (another 10+ years) and get a GS (if Lexus still make it). What is your take?

Here's what Consumer Reports says about the Lexus:

"A compact upscale fuel-efficient hatchback seems like a good idea, but Lexus' least-expensive model falls short of the ideal. With the same hybrid drivetrain as the Toyota Prius, fuel economy is impressive at 40 mpg overall. Acceleration is leisurely and the engine often works hard to keep up. Unlike the typical Lexus, the ride is stiff and lots of engine and road noise infiltrates the cabin. Handling is capable but vague on-center steering feedback keeps it from being sporty. Cabin space is snug with a very tight back seat and miniscule cargo capacity. The interior has some nice touches but falls short of being luxurious."

Meanwhile, the '12 TCH is getting very positive reviews.

If that's not enough to help you, consider this: Invoice price for a premium version of the Lexus hybrid you are considering is $30,044; invoice for the '12 TCH LXE is $27,400.

Get the Camry!

MatrixPC · 10-17-2011, 03:19 PM

After test drive the CT, I'm a little disappointed. Coming from the Supra and Matrix (both manual), I expect it can gives a little push at least on bar with the Matrix when needed most, but it doesn't. Waiting for the Camry Hybrid to test.

ukrkoz · 10-17-2011, 08:34 PM

buy M series Infinity Hybrid. 360 HP and 31 mpg average. You'll have your woooomp.

MatrixPC · 10-18-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

buy M series Infinity Hybrid. 360 HP and 31 mpg average. You'll have your woooomp.

If that the case, I just get the GS Hybrid instead of M Hybrid. But no, I'm not ready to spend that much money yet just to get some zoom zoom. The Supra can full fill that.
I just need something that easy at the gas station, and a little easy when change lane. Hopefully the new TCH can do that.

ukrkoz · 10-18-2011, 09:56 PM

well, Lexi and Infinities are in the same $$ game. close enough. now, buddy owns repair shop, he vouches for Nissan with his heart. Quality. Reliability.
SOME zoom zoom? 360 horses and even more torque? that's an animal. zoom zoom is for Mazdas.
31mpg is fine with me, considering all the raw power.
OH, and it's a solid five seater. Never heard of Supras falling into same category.
good luck on TCH. I see word that starts with d and ends with t in your future.
personally, I have my mind set on one. no, I am not that stupid to go out and buy one right away. in 3 yrs they will come out of leases. I'll call Mr Friendly dealer, who will get me one off a dealer auction. Or pick one cash pay on c-list, like I mostly do. In 3 yrs, my TCH will be right about there on mileage to sell her. puuuurrrfect..

Tideland Prius · 10-26-2011, 12:16 PM

I would think a TCH is more highway friendly. It's comfortable and quiet and gets better mpg than the CT.

lrahardja · 01-17-2012, 03:29 PM

I was comparing these two hybrids. The fully loaded Lexus CT200h is priced about $6K more than comparable loaded TCH XLE. The options includes navigation, sunroof, leather seats, remote starter. Bottom line is TCH is a powerful hybrid family sedan good for 5 adults where Lexus CT is a smaller hatchback targeted for younger folks who want to distinct themselves with of course, a Lexus logo. Both cars are very quiet. The CT is not as powerful hybrid compared to TCH (Motortrend reveals 7.2 sec 0-60mph for TCH). It does feel like a 200+ hp car if driven in normal mode and the combined power feels seamless. However, it seems that the only way to get 40+mpg is to drive it reeaallll eassssyyy on the accelerator in Eco-mode and under 60mph on highway. I get about 36mpg when driven normally, perhaps it's winter time.

venzoid · 01-17-2012, 03:56 PM

Ive tested the Camry hybrid and it is amazing! Powerful quiet and fuel efficient. Ive seen a couple CTs and my they are very small and low. Much smaller than a Prius hatch.

My only decision is to get the camry hyb. now or wait for 6 mo.s until some bugs get ironed out. Im expecting a price increase in 6 mos though.

MatrixPC · 01-17-2012, 05:04 PM

After having the TCH XLE for a month and 2 tanks of gas, my average is about 43-44mpg on congested SoCal traffic. I'm glad that I get the TCH intead of the CT. Not that the CT is bad, it just more comfortable with 3 car seats in the back

.

05CamryGuy · 01-18-2012, 09:16 AM

I would recommend the Camry hybrid over the CT. I've driven the CT on many occasion as a loaner car when one of my Lexus is in for service. Honestly, I'm not very impressed with the CT and its material quality is quite lacking. The power from the smaller engine makes for less than exciting acceleration and as a car badged as a Lexus, I'd expect a little more.

I think your money is better spent on a Camry; besides, having more room makes it just that much more practical.

venzoid · 01-18-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05CamryGuy

I would recommend the Camry hybrid over the CT. I've driven the CT on many occasion as a loaner car when one of my Lexus is in for service. Honestly, I'm not very impressed with the CT and its material quality is quite lacking. The power from the smaller engine makes for less than exciting acceleration and as a car badged as a Lexus, I'd expect a little more.

I think your money is better spent on a Camry; besides, having more room makes it just that much more practical.

Im glad they gave you a CT loaner. I think Toyota dipped heavily into Lexus territory when crafting the 2012 Camry Hybrid. If they let you drive the Camry you may have a Toyota in the garage.

05CamryGuy · 01-18-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venzoid

Im glad they gave you a CT loaner. I think Toyota dipped heavily into Lexus territory when crafting the 2012 Camry Hybrid. If they let you drive the Camry you may have a Toyota in the garage.

Hehe... I still have 2 Camry's; my younger sister has inherited the '05. I think with the new Camry Hybrid so well equipped, Toyota probably has some big plans for the next Lexus ES. There are rumors of a hybrid ES350h coming this year.

Come to think of it, if the OP isn't in the market to buy right away, perhaps you can wait to see how the Lexus ES350h turns out.

To MatrixPC: have you also looked at the Lexus HS250h?

MapOfTaziFoSho · 01-28-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05CamryGuy

Hehe... I still have 2 Camry's; my younger sister has inherited the '05. I think with the new Camry Hybrid so well equipped, Toyota probably has some big plans for the next Lexus ES. There are rumors of a hybrid ES350h coming this year.

Come to think of it, if the OP isn't in the market to buy right away, perhaps you can wait to see how the Lexus ES350h turns out.

To MatrixPC: have you also looked at the Lexus HS250h?

HS250h sucks...they're killing it off...I'd only consider it if you get an absolute screaming deal on it.